THIRTEENTH PARLIAMENT

Fifth Session

Wednesday, 16th September, 2026 at 9.30 a.m.

PARLIAMENT OF KENYA

The House met in the Senate Chamber, Parliament Buildings, at 9.32 a.m.

PRAYER

DETERMINATION OF QUORUM AT COMMENCEMENT OF SITTING

QUESTIONS AND STATEMENTS

QUESTIONS

Now, Hon. Senators, we have a number of questions today. I am informed that two Cabinet Secretaries will be appearing before plenary for purposes of responding to these questions. We will be managing time. We will be giving limited time per Question so that we cover ground. We will start with the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Agriculture and Livestock Development.

Before I call the Cabinet Secretary, Sen. Boni, what is your intervention?

that we have taken half-an-hour due to lack of quorum. Part of the reason there is no quorum is that there are no leaders on either side. The Leader of the Majority, his assistant, the Chief Whip on the Majority Side and his assistant, and the same on the Minority Side.

Where is Sen. (Prof.) Tom Ojienda? That Question is deferred. Question No.005

PREVALENCE AND CONTROL OF CROP PESTS AND DISEASES

We will now move to Senator for Kakamega County, Sen. (Dr.) Khalwale. You may proceed to ask your Question, Hon. Senator.

DELAY IN CONSTITUTING THE KENYA SUGAR BOARD

1. (a)What are the reasons for the longstanding delay in fully constituting the Kenya Sugar Board?
2. (b)What is the operational status of the board in light of the vacancies in its membership, and could the Cabinet Secretary disclose who has been discharging the functions of the board while it is not fully constituted?

1. (a) As you know, the Sugar Act stipulates very clearly what the nomination process of the Sugar Board is supposed to be. What has happened is that members of the board who are appointed or nominated by the President, the Council of Governors (CoGs), the Principal Secretary (PS), National Treasury and the Principal Secretary (PS), Agriculture and Livestock Development are in place. The absence of the remaining members arises from litigation challenging the board elections designated to the catchment areas.

You will remember that the Sugar Board Act presumes a situation where the board members are elected in catchment areas that are designated as such. This has been a challenge in the way of conducting the appointment of the board.

On 22nd January, 2025, a Constitutional Petition No. E002 of 2025 was filed in Kisumu. That is Abraham Martin and 19 others Versus the Sugar Board and two others. In that case, the petitioner challenged the public participation conducted by the board between the 13th and 16th January 2025 on the draft procedures for the election of growers and millers’ representatives.

The case derailed the process of conducting elections, since the Ministry needed the procedures to be in place before issuing notice for the elections. However, the case was closed after consent was recorded. Under Clause 4 of the Election Procedures, the Cabinet Secretary is vested with the authority to constitute an 11-member elections committee to manage the electoral process of the growers’ representatives to the board.

Another critical case affecting elections was the Constitutional Petition No. E 013 of 2025 by Boniface Masinde versus the Attorney General and Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. In the matter, the applicant challenged the delineation of the sugar catchment areas and the composition of the Kenya Sugar Board, specifically, growers’ representation from catchment areas as delineated in the First Schedule of the Sugar Act of 2024.

An injunction was issued on 3rd June, 2025, prohibiting the election of board members to the Kenya Sugar Board based on the representation drawn from the sugar catchment areas, which further delayed the elections.

With the injunctions having been lifted, the board embarked on the electoral process to elect representatives of the growers on 25th June 2026, as per Section 6(1) of the Sugar Act of 2024.

One week before the scheduled elections of the growers, representatives to the Kenya Sugar Board, another case was filed; Vihiga Petition E 004 of 2026 Silverias Simiyu versus Kenya Sugar Board and three others.

Upon an application for interim orders by the petitioners, the court declared that the status quo be maintained in so far as the implementation of the First Schedule of the Sugar Act, 2024 is concerned, pending the hearing and determination of the filed petitions both at Kakamega and Vihiga High Courts, respectively.

Immediately thereafter, the file was transferred to Kakamega for hearing and determination on the basis that the subject matters of both were the same. However, the honourable court in Kakamega transferred the matter back to Vihiga for hearing and determination on the basis that the court sitting in Vihiga needed to interpret its orders upon an application by the petitioners. The case is slated for hearing on the 16th September 2026 before the Vihiga court for determination.

1. (b) On the issue of what is the operational status of the board in light of the vacancies in its membership, we acknowledge that where the board has not been constituted or is unable to discharge its statutory functions, the Cabinet Secretary may exercise only such residual or transitional administrative authority as is necessary to ensure continuity of government and implementation of the Act.

The principle is that where a newly established statutory body is awaiting full operationalisation, the responsible Cabinet Secretary may undertake residual administrative functions as necessary to prevent a governance vacuum until the statutory organs are properly constituted. Once the board is appointed, the statutory powers vested

in the board and its members must be exercised by those organs in accordance with the Act.

Accordingly, pending the full constitutional operationalisation of the Sugar Board, the Ministry is responsible for residual transitional administrative functions as are necessary to ensure continuity in the administration of the sugar sector and implementation of the Sugar Act.

Ningependa kupata takwimu zilizo sawa kuhusu sukari ambayo inaletwa kutoka nje. Labda utaleta baadaye. Je, ni kina nani wanaleta na ni mfumo gani unatumika kutathmini kwamba sukari haitoshi katika nchi hii?

Asante sana, Bw. Spika.

that also responds to the issue of Sen. Wamatinga on the application of the importation and also the questions on functions that have been asked by the Senator for Kitui County.

On the issue of the importation process, as I have said, we do not import in vain. However, if there is importation of sugar, one of the things to remember is that the Government itself does not import or buy the sugar; it is purely the private sector. If somebody is importing sugar, they have to have a market for it. It is not we in the Sugar Board who are going to buy that sugar. I assure Members that, first of all, the process of doing so is by application and it is the businessmen who take the risk. However, there is going to be sufficient functions to do so.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, as far as the implementation of the Committee for Elections is concerned, the Committee is in place and has been in place as constitutionally demanded by the Act. The frustration of the elections has nothing to do with the committee being in place.

I rest my case; thank you.

very happy to allow the KNTC to import. In fact, they do so when they have the funding to do so. However, the decisions of KNTC, as to whether they want to participate in the importation or not, is something that I cannot be able to respond to. As the honourable Senator has proposed, it would be ideal that they do so. In fact, they have done so in the past. You will also recall that the KNTC has had its own challenges which as a Cabinet Secretary in Agriculture and Livestock Development will not be able to explain. We will be very happy to have KNTC alongside the others but we must have competition so that people do not take advantage of shortage situations.

I thank you, Mr Speaker, Sir.

STRATEGY FOR MILK PRICE STABILISATION

1. (a) Could the Cabinet Secretary outline the measures and plans the Ministry has put in place to reduce the cost of milk production, particularly the cost of animal feeds, which remains the primary driver of production expenses, stabilise milk prices, improve the profitability and competitiveness of dairy farming, increase farmers' incomes and boost national milk production?
2. (b) Does the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development have any plans to review the price paid per litre of milk to dairy farmers supplying the new Kenya Creameries Corporation (KCC) and if so, provide the proposed timelines, criteria for such a review and the expected impact on farmers' earnings and the dairy sector?
3. (c) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide a comprehensive breakdown of all milk coolers procured and distributed by the Government from 2023 to date, including the total expenditure incurred, the beneficiary counties and the number allocated for each county, as well as the criteria used in the allocation and distribution?
4. (d) Has the Ministry considered the procurement and distribution of solar- powered milk coolers as an alternative to electricity-powered units, and if so, outline the expected benefits in reducing energy costs and enhancing the affordability, accessibility and sustainability of milk cooling services for dairy farmers?

Thank you.

1. (a) The Ministry has developed an animal feeds programme strategy to address the feed situation in the country, in which it prioritises the promotion of increased production of animal feeds, promotion of animal forage conservation, and the use of technologies such as irrigation to facilitate production of animal feeds in arid and semi-

arid areas. Increased production will ensure availability of adequate forage and concentrate feed ingredients, which will in turn reduce the cost of the feeds.

The Government is also setting up a National Strategic Feeds Reserve. The National Strategic Feed Reserve, once operationalised, will reduce feed fluctuations, facilitate access to animal feeds, reduce dairy production costs and sustain milk production throughout the year. This will also go a long way in stabilising milk prices, since there will be no periods of glut or scarcity.

The Ministry is availing unutilised land for feed production through lease of parcels of land by locals and international investors under the Land Commercialisation Initiative. The land will be used for production of pasture and fodder for commercial purposes and for distribution to farmers. The Government's land, such as the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC), the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), livestock farms under the Ministry and former livestock holding grounds, will be utilised under the Land Commercialisation Initiative.

The Government is also promoting public-private sector partnerships to ensure that there is sufficient investment in the livestock feed sector.

For the last three years, the Government has participated in international investment conferences in Rome, where it has pitched for feasible investment options in the animal feed industry. As a result of that, several investors have already arrived in the country to invest. Key among them, if I may give an example, is that De Hues Animal Feeds, which is a Dutch-based company. They will invest Kshs300 million to produce 200,000 metric tonnes of feeds annually in a modern feed milling factory in Athi River. I opened the factory last year and it is in full operation.

The Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with other organisations such as the United Arab Emirates-based Al Dahra Company. The company will lease and manage up to 200,000 acres of irrigation farmland, which will essentially boost animal feeds such as yellow maize.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the Government abolished Value Added Tax (VAT) on raw materials for animal feed processing in 2018 to make livestock feeds affordable to farmers and to attract investment in the sector. This includes a waiver of duty for local manufacturers to import maize, soybean and other essential ingredients of animal feeds to lower the cost of feeds.

In addition, the Government supplied 500 metric tonnes of sunflower seeds during Financial Year 2023/2024 for planting by farmers. We have already begun to see the impact of that. The seeds produce edible oil, while the by-products, which are in the form of sunflower cakes, are used in the animal feed industry.

In terms of investment and capacity building on feeds, the Ministry is continuously building on the capacity of dairy farms to produce and conserve pasture and fodder in the form of baled hay and silage. Farmers are sensitised on establishing high- yielding forage varieties for optimal feed production.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the other issue that is critical for that is improvement of supply and genetics of our dairy animals. The Government has set up an additional semen production facility at the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) Bull Station in

Kitale. This has been operationalised to supplement production and marketing of semen by the Kenya Animal Genetic Resource Centre (KAGRC).

The Government is also in the process of setting up four liquid nitrogen production centres in Eldoret, Meru, Kirinyaga and Kaimosi to make it more available and affordable to Artificial Insemination (AI) agents for cheaper semen. Following the Presidential Directive in June 2025, KAGRC is distributing subsidized semen at Kshs1,000 per dose, down from Kshs2,900 and subsidized all the way from Kshs8,000 and Kshs9,000 based on the occasion. On 10th June, 2026, a total of 11,196 doses of semen had been distributed. Of course, this has increased since then.

The above initiatives ensure improved dairy genetics, which in turn increases milk production in the country. The initiatives are geared towards increasing milk production, making dairy farms more competitive and increasing farmers' income. It is also important for me to add that we are in the process of gazetting duty-free importation of yellow maize to supplement the reduction of animal feeds in the country.

1. (b) Another concern was whether the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has any plans to review the price paid per litre of milk. While producer prices of raw milk in Kenya are largely determined by market forces of supply and demand, the Government has nevertheless provided legal safeguards to cushion farmers from low and unsustainable prices. The dairy industry and pricing of dairy produce regulations mandate the Government to periodically review and gazette minimum producer prices for raw milk. These are benchmarked on prevailing cost of production across the counties, production systems and scales.

The latest study, for example, conducted by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), established that the cost of producing one litre of milk was on the average of Kshs39.5 for zero grazers, Kshs37.3 for semi-zero grazers, Kshs24.5 for open grazers and an average of Kshs36.2 across production systems. On average, profits across production systems were therefore at Kshs9.9 per litre, which is about Kshs10.

Since gazettement of the Dairy Industry Regulations in 2021, market forces have pushed up the price of milk, thereby minimising further interventions by the Government as shown in the document that I have provided. This is also consistent in ensuring the interests of consumers are taken care of as high producer prices also affect consumers. You will notice that at the moment, due to the shortage of milk, the prices to farmers have gone up all the way to Kshs55 and even up to Kshs60 by some companies such as Bio Food Products.

Specifically on New Kenya Co-operative Creameries (New KCC), the producer prices by the company have been consistently high in relation to the competition. Again, we have summarised it in the document that I have given. In the interest of time, I will not read the entire list. The long and short of it is that while the Government itself has placed minimum prices, the current prices in the market are above the minimum price that the Government has set.

The relationship to the two questions by the Senator from Kirinyaga is that if we keep the cost of production down, then it becomes more profitable for farmers. I have alluded to the manner in which we intend to keep prices coming down.

1. (c) Next is the comprehensive breakdown of milk coolers, which is also one of the ways of bringing down the cost of production. What happens is that milk coolers reduce wastage within the dairy sector. When milk is not cooled, the waste levels are very high. We have noticed that farmers benefit from coolers because there is no wastage of milk.

In the Financial Year 2024/2025, the State Department for Livestock Development procured 230 bulk milk coolers at a contract sum of Kshs1.4 billion. The bulk milk coolers have been distributed to 230 dairy producer organisations in 41 counties, serving more than 115,000 dairy farmers. It has helped aggregate 475,000 litres of milk daily, estimated at Kshs23.28 million. This equates to 173 million litres of milk worth about Kshs8.7 billion aggregated annually. The bulk coolers will create business hubs at the aggregation centres, creating employment for about eight persons for every 1,000 litres of milk chilled. That is 3,800 people directly employed.

The breakdown of the bulk milk coolers procured, capacity and distribution to counties will be as follows: Baringo County has got six milk coolers. The document that you have goes into details of 1,000, 2,000 or 5,000. Bomet has nine, Bungoma three, Busia one, Elgeyo Marakwet seven, Embu---

1. (a) Where some counties or dairies have requested a 1,000-litre cooler, some of them have grown, upgraded and now need bigger coolers such as 3,000-litres coolers.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is important for me to talk about the criteria used for this distribution. The Livestock Value Chain Support Project targeted farmers, pastoralists, traders, processors and government institutions. To ensure that the project achieved its intended purpose, the following criteria were used in the selection of the beneficiaries.

i) Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, where the beneficiary groups or cooperatives must be registered with a relevant Government agency; ii) Organization or Government framework. The group cooperative must prove that it has a good governance structure; iii) The dairy group must demonstrate potential for milk collection of between 1,000 to 5,000 litres, at least, 50 per cent of the cooler capacity; iv) The presence of support infrastructure, including accessibility of proposed sites for ease of milk collection, housing for the cooler and the generators as per the specifications provided by the works engineers, access to reliable water supply and access to power supply, availability of wastewater disposal systems. v) The cooperative group must make a formal request for support with equipment through the relevant national and county government departments and any other Government agency or institution. The signing

of relevant Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Ministry and the beneficiary entities or cooperatives must be in place so that we govern how they are managed; and vi) The Ministry has considered the procurement and distribution of solar- powered milk coolers. The honourable Senator will be happy to know that most of what we are giving today are solar-powered bulk milk coolers. This is because the Government realised the high cost of electricity incurred by the dairy groups and cooperatives which use electricity- powered milk and bulk milk coolers. Out of the 230 bulk milk coolers procured, 200 of them are solar-powered. The solar-powered milk coolers are expected to save the dairy farmer organizations a daily power cost of about Kshs200,000 equivalent to Kshs73 million in saved power bills annually. This will ensure sustainability of the milk cooling systems for the farmers. As we move into the future, the solar-powered systems, the solar-powered coolant will be our preferred coolers of choice. I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir. (Interruption of Questions)

COMMUNICATION FROM THE CHAIR

VISITING DELEGATION FROM MATHARE COMMUNITY OUTREACH PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SCHOOL, NAIROBI

before responding, research before speaking, disagree without disrespect, defend ideas with evidence and appreciate perspectives, different from their own. I need the students to know that we do not often meet that high threshold. No wonder they came second, nationally, in the debate out of 89 Junior Secondary Schools. They are scheduled for a regional debate in Kigali in December. They will be representing us.

I am very proud of them. As the Senator for Nairobi City County, I welcome them to the Senate. I have a small report for them. Their Member of Parliament, Hon. Antony Oluoch, has been pushing a very important Bill, an amendment to the Basic Education Act to recognise institutions that are called informal schools in Nairobi.

As you know, 70 per cent of our kids here, are not in public schools. We have been pushing that amendment with him. I am happy to report that the amendment passed in the National Assembly and it is coming here, to the Senate, and you can count on us, as Senators, to do the right thing. This is because institutions that are majorly in Mathare do not have the land and some amenities required for them to be recognised formally as schools.

Honorouble Speaker, Sir, I thank you very much for that indulgence. I hope that these students will one day find their way to this Floor and bring that very high standard of debating to the Floor of the Senate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

Pili, tulikuwa na kilio juzi kwa sababu ya mchele. Tuna mchele kutoka Kirinyaga na hata Tana River. Mchele huwa unaagizwa kutoka nje ilhali tuna mchele nchini. Hilo pia ni tetezi la wakulima wa sukari. Mchele huletwa na majedwali makubwa ilhali hakuna misingi ya kuonyesha ya kwamba hatuna mchele.

Niliwahi kukaa na Waziri katika Bunge hili. Ninafaa kumwambia ya kwamba kunapokuwa na mambo ambayo yanafanywa, ambayo hayadhirishi wakulima, ni sisi ambao tunatusiwa. Sijui kama Waziri aliona kitu ambacho Mkenya mmoja aliandika kwenye mtandao wa kijamii. Alisema ya kwamba haelewi mbona kuna uhaba wa maziwa na ng’ombe wamejaa Bunge. Hiyo sio kazi ya Bunge. Tunapokea matusi ilhali watu ambao wanafaa kuhusika wanaishi maisha yao ya kawaida.

Nilipokaa chini na Waziri, aliniambia ya kwamba atalitatua suala la korosho na makadamia kwa wiki mbili zijazo. Alinifanya nikaenda kutangaza jambo hilo. Siku hizi ninakaa kama zezeta; mtu asiyejua kile ambacho anafaa kufanya. Ningependa Waziri aangalie masuala ya ukulima kwa kina na afupishe taarifa. Ukiuliza wakulima, ambao wanaumia, watasema ya kwamba wanateseka sana. Dakika moja ni refu sana.

Nimesikia Waziri akisema ya kwamba “watafanya, watafanya” lakini ngoja ngoja huumiza matumbo. Mimi nimechangia kwa roho mzito, chonda na kibuhuti kwa sababu ya mateso ya wakulima. Naomba uangalie mambo ya sukari, maziwa, chai na wizi wa kahawa ambayo inaendelea sahizi. Akifanya hivyo, hatumuita tena.

Ahsante sana, Mstahiki Spika.

The Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development (Hon. Mutahi Kagwe): Mr. Speaker, Sir, I picked the sentiments of the hon. Senator, particularly in regards to the issue of conversion of milk to milk powder, so as to preserve it when there is an overproduction of milk. I would like to assure the hon. Senator that, that is already happening. Two companies in Kenya now are capable of producing powder milk. There is demand for powder milk.

However, the issue of fluctuations of availability or production of milk are subject to also very many other factors that are not within the control of the Government or anybody else for that matter. The climate issues that are around us, for example, have caused the current shortage of milk due to lack of rain. Very many high-producing areas like Trans Nzoia, Nandi and Uasin Gishu are all suffering. The feeds are in low supply.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, the hon. Senator has also expressed himself saying that we have spoken a lot about intent. Everything starts with intent. This is thinking about something, then you do it. There is nothing you can do without intent.

I would like to thank the hon. Senator.

question, I will give you about 10 minutes to respond to issues that were left unresponded to in Naivasha.

was not being done there. So, most of that soya ended up going back to Uganda for processing before it was resend back here. We need to be assured of the end product. How do we get the animal feed itself? Are we going to raise the raw material and send it to somebody else to go and process, in which case, the cost will be controlled by the person who is selling?

I come from Uasin Gishu County. In fact, the cost of production may not be exact. It may be over Kshs40 per litre, not between Kshs36 and Kshs37 that you have just mentioned. This is because the raw material that we have is soya beans and cotton from Uganda. I agree with Sen. Wambua. Why do we not encourage cotton production in eastern Kenya? We should promote the crop for purposes of getting animal feed. We should encourage farmers to produce soya beans and give us a processing plant that is controlled by Government so that we control the prices. My worry with this answer is that we are promoting the private sector and the private sector will want profits. So, the prices may be worse than what we are getting from Uganda. Eldoret is fed by Uganda. All cotton is from Uganda. We have a problem because, again, that feed---

My question is this. This is about your function. Honourable Cabinet Secretary, food security for animals is crucial because what the animals produce feeds human beings. Therefore, the food security around how we manage animal feed has a correlation to the health of the population. Do you have standards around the production of feeds for animals in this country to help stem the illegal or legal importation of toxic inputs into our farms that end up in the animal, milk, eggs and meat that we take and in return harm our population?

What standards do we have around food security that would begin in the agriculture sector both for the animals and in relation to the health of the humans?

This country used to have a robust extension services. We used to get a lot of information from research stations like the Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation (KALRO). From inception of devolution, there has been lack of flow of information to farmers. Your Ministry has left everything to the farmers.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, in relation to the question of how to utilise the land in Kitui and other counties like Kilifi, Tana River and others. That is where we are trying to encourage and work with county governments to utilise their farms. That is also related to the question that was raised regarding extension officers required in counties in order for this to function. This is because, at the end of the day, there are three players that are involved here.

There is the national Government, the county government and largely, the private sector. Let us not forget that cows, fodder, soya and where other crops are growing is private sector land. Therefore, our interaction with the private sector is crucial and important. That is why extension officers become important. As you well know, in Schedule 4 of the Constitution, extension officers are a county government function. That is why the relationship between the national Government, the county government and this House is crucial in implementation of some of these things.

We are doing our part in terms of pushing the county governments. For example, we have proposed the appointment of 1,450 liaison officers because the county governments are clear that extension officers are their function. Therefore, the national Government proposes that 1,400 or so liaison officers at the grassroot level, be appointed through the national Government so that we see the correlation and interaction between ourselves and county governments at the lowest level.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we need a liaison officer or the so-called extension officer who is guided at the national Government in order for them to interact effectively with those appointed by the county governments. That interaction, to a large extent, is what has been missing. However, we have proposed to have them in this year's budget.

Regarding the reason why yellow maize cannot be grown here – and it was Prof. Kabalu who raised the issue of yellow maize. There is nothing that stops any Kenyan from growing yellow maize. In fact, we are looking for them. We are urging them to plant yellow maize. This is because when we have yellow maize, we stop the competition for white maize between human beings and animals. Essentially, what happens is that, in this country, people believe that yellow maize is for cattle feed. You and I know that the yellow maize is eaten by human beings in other parts of the world. However, that is what we believe in our nation. There is nothing to stop anyone from growing yellow maize at all.

The ADC farms are an open field and we have licensed them. Anybody can apply to utilize the ADC farms. The reason why the ADC farm is licensing rather than growing the feed itself is because they do not have the capacity to do so themselves. Let us be honest about some of these things. The private sector is a better player at production than the government sector. That is a foregone conclusion because that is what actually happens.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, we therefore, believe that the biggest role the Government sector is able to play is to ensure regulation. That is fairly done as well as for the purpose for which it was set which is to bring down the cost of production. This will be met by ensuring that you have supply. Once you have these farms growing fodder the cost of crop will come down. As long as you have sufficient supply of feedstuffs, the price will automatically come down. The problem is when we have neither the Government nor the

private sector participating sufficiently to bring down the cost of fodder and to have the reserves that are necessary.

That also ties up with the question that was asked by the Senator for Wajir regarding the sort of food reserves we have in the country. Up until last year, I can confidently say that we had no plan. There were feedlots but one of the things I found out was that the so-called feedlot was simply an area to gather animals. However, a feedlot that has got no water, no pasture or hay is essentially not a feedlot.

We have been working on, through the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), urging county governments that we together build feasible feedlots in the locations they are supposed to be. The national Government cannot go to a county that is working through the county devolved function and build feedlots. We have cooperated with the counties to assist them to build the feedlots.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, last week, I was in Isiolo County. The feedlot that is there, the quantity of feeds that we can keep near the abattoir in Isiolo are not sufficient. We are, therefore, working with the County Government of Isiolo and others to identify and build areas where we can store hay in times of overproduction.

As the Senator rightly said, there is wastage during the rainy season. This does not have to be so if we cooperate with the county governments for them to uptake hay during overproduction. For example, as we head towards El Nino, there is likely to be an overproduction of hay and other fodder that we can store for that purpose.

I, therefore, admit that the manner in which we have worked in the past to secure feeds has not really been sufficient. I have, therefore, proposed that the same way we keep strategic reserves for human feeds, we also create strategic reserves for animal feeds. This can only be managed if we worked closely with the counties. As a policy, that is what we would like to do but the implementation is also a factor of the participation by the counties.

On the issue of cost of production, it is, indeed, true that it may differ from place to place. However, the objective is to bring it down to a point where we have enough. The Total Mixed Ration (TMR) you have referred to, Senator, is something we have worked on through the KALRO. The KALRO has produced a mix that we believe can produce sufficient milk. You also have to understand that there is also overfeeding. We used to call it diminishing returns in economics, where you feed to the extent of diminishing returns.

Therefore, the TMR we have provided through KALRO is what we should be using. That is the exercise you referred to in Israel. The Senator from Marsabit County referred to the issue of TMR in Israel. Farmers are implementing this. For example, I noticed that farmers in Meru are implementing the TMR. They are getting lower production costs and higher milk productivity.

Again, regarding the issue of extension officers, they are the ones who should be visiting farmers and informing them about the TMR. Therein lies the importance of working through county governments to ensure that their extension officers are informed. In fact, we have proposed a programme through which we can have in-house courses through the Kenya agricultural colleges to retrain them. This will enable them to inform

farmers not just on what has been happening in the past but also emerging practices as we move along in the management of the sector.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, regarding the question asked by Sen. Mumma, it is also true that standards have been set on toxic importations, especially on matters of aflatoxin in maize imports. We have several organisations that are now onboard to ensure that anything coming into the country is checked. The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and other ministerial organisations are ensuring that the levels of aflatoxin allowed into the country are within acceptable standards. We have rejected several consignments of both animal feeds and human food. Maize and other cereals have also been rejected because of unacceptable levels of aflatoxin.

Therefore, we are on the lookout. As you rightly said, it is all about One Health. Animal health is equivalent to human health and vice versa. In the management of One Health, we have ensured that toxic importations are managed in exactly the same way as food intended for human consumption.

Mr. Speaker, Sir, on the issue raised by the Senator from Kilifi County, my brother Sen. Madzayo, there is a substantial difference between health and agriculture, particularly in terms of the return period. When you talk about people using sanitiser, they will do it instantly. Growing maize takes a couple of months. Growing coffee takes even longer. A cow will still take nine months no matter how good the semen given to it. The long-term nature of agriculture is a major difference.

Besides that, the Mariakani Milk Factory, which was originally working through the Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC), falls under the Ministry of Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Development, not the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. However, it is still regulated by the Kenya Dairy Board (KDB), which is under the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Development.

One of the issues we have been grappling with, not just as a Ministry but as a Government, is the quality of management of cooperatives. If you look around the country, there are milk cooperatives that are booming and making money. One of the largest milk producer cooperative in Africa is in Kenya, the Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union. It is the largest dairy cooperative on the African Continent. The reason for this is the management of their dairy. It is properly managed.

I know very well that one of the things Hon. Wycliffe Oparanya is working on is to ensure that milk cooperatives are properly managed. The same applies to cooperatives in other sectors, including tea, coffee, milk and others. To me, the key determinant of whether a milk cooperative will do well is the management. Both the county and the national Government must ensure that the Mariakani Milk Factory and others are properly managed.

Therein lies the question Sen. Kamau mentioned earlier regarding private-sector versus government-sector management. The Kenya Cooperative Creameries (KCC) used to be the largest milk producer in our country. It now ranks about seventh because private-sector organisations pay their farmers on time.

There is a Senator who asked about the four-month payment delay by the KCC. I need to check that, through the Speaker, because I do not know whether it is KCC that has not paid the factory hence the factory has not paid or whether it is KCC itself that has

not paid. I need to check that and come back to you. However, the fact remains that if one processor is not paying you, collect the money owed to you and go to another processor. This is what I tell those who are not being paid by one processor in Nyandarua and elsewhere. That is the beauty of competition. There are other milk processors that are paying people on time.

As far as the New KCC is concerned, we are trying to ensure that it is properly funded to take up the issue of powdered milk production alongside others. It is important for us to have a Government institution that can respond to the demands being made. Again, I come back to the issue of management.

On the matter of milk availability, there are a couple of factors contributing to the current situation. As I said, a lot of it has to do with the drought currently affecting the country. However, the reduction in milk processing is only about 5.18 per cent. The drop is only about 5 per cent, so it is not as huge as it sounds. What is happening is hoarding.

Someone asked about being told at a supermarket that they can only buy two or three packets of milk. The normal human reaction is to go to the next supermarket and take another three packets. As a result, people who would normally have one or two packets of milk in their houses now have six or more. This is because they fear that there will be no milk, particularly where children and their uji are concerned.

I would like to assure the public that there is a slight shortage of mil. However, it is being exaggerated because it is only about 5 per cent below the usual production level. In areas where the cooperatives or the processors have not responded in kind to pay the farmers the prices that are now in place because of that shortage, those farmers are not taking the milk to the processors. They are now selling off the process lines and selling it directly to people. So, we would like to do two things. First, is to urge dairy cooperatives to pay farmers what they are due in two perspectives. One, is on time and two, the higher price that the market is currently paying for. The consumer market is paying a higher price. That premium should also be passed on to the farmer.

That is the only way to make sure that we have enough. Having said that, with the onset of the rains as we have begun to see, we believe that this is a temporary situation.

On the issue that was raised by---

allow you to do so. This is because we have spent over 40 minutes on this question as opposed to the 10 minutes that we had allocated to each of these questions.

You will notice that we have nine more questions to go that have been directed to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration. Therefore, I will allow the hon. Cabinet Secretary to retire at this point.

In fact, hon. Cabinet Secretary, you will have to pen the issues that you are supposed to respond to that arose in Naivasha during our engagement with the Ministry and respond to them when you appear next. You are therefore discharged.

Yes, Sen. Wakili Sigei. (Sen. Wakili Sigei consulted loudly) I have just discharged him. We have nine questions to handle from the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration.

[The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration (Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen) was ushered into the Chamber]

Question No.018 is by the Senator for Makueni County, Sen. Daniel Manzo. You may ask your question.

Question No.18

INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE DEATH OF MR. SAMMY KYENGO

1. (a) What are the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Sammy Kyengo, a construction worker who was reported missing on 6th September, 2025, and later found dead at Talanta Stadium construction site in Nairobi City County on 13th September, 2025?
2. (b) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide an update on the current status of investigations into the incident, including any preliminary findings on the cause of death?
3. (c) Have the police identified and arrested any suspects, and if not, could the Cabinet Secretary outline steps being taken to speedily identify, apprehend and prosecute the culprits?
4. (d) What form of support has the Government provided to the late Mr. Kyengo’s family?

I thank you, Mr. Speaker, Sir.

1. (a) The Senator for Makueni County, Sen. Daniel Maanzo, has requested to be apprised of the circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Sammy Kyengo, a 35- year old construction worker. The hon. Member particularly sought to be informed of three issues. The first was circumstances surrounding the death of Mr. Sammy Kyengo. I would like to respond as follows– On 10 September, 2025, at about 4.27 p.m., a report was made at Jamhuri Police Station indicating that Mr. Sammy Kyengo had not returned home after work. On 11th September, 2025, a missing person signal was circulated to all police stations across the country.

On 13 September, 2025, a report was made at Jamhuri Police Station by a casual worker at Talanta Sports Stadium construction site, stating that he had seen a body

floating inside a water sump located behind the terrace that was under construction. Police officers visited the scene, documented it and recovered the body.

A preliminary examination revealed injuries to the back of the head. The body was later identified as that of Mr. Sammy Kyengo who had been reported missing from the site on 6th September, 2025, at around 5.00 p.m. The body was moved to Nairobi Funeral Home for preservation and post-mortem examination.

Part (b) is about the current status of the investigations and preliminary findings on the cause of death. A post-mortem examination conducted on 16th September, 2025, revealed mild head injuries. The pathologist formed the opinion that the cause of death was consistent with drowning, although examination was limited due to decomposition. Specimens were collected during the post-mortem and forwarded to the Government Chemistry for toxicological analysis and results are still pending.

Further investigations included forensic analysis of the deceased’s mobile phone records which showed that his last communication was with his father on the morning of 6 September, 2025, the day he went missing. Investigators also established that although the construction site had CCTV coverage, the internal camera that could have captured the incident had been disconnected due to ongoing roof installation works, while the gate camera did not provide useful footage.

A total of 11 individuals connected to the site were interrogated and their statements recorded. However, none provided information capable of advancing investigations significantly. The case remains under investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

1. (c) The third question was whether any suspects have been identified or arrested and the response is as follows. A total of 11 individuals have so far been interrogated and their statements recorded. As of now, no suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of Mr. Kyengo. Investigators continue to pursue all available leads, including awaiting toxicology results and reviewing recorded statements and forensic evidence with a view to identifying any persons of interest and ensuring that any culpable individuals are brought to justice.
2. (d) Number four was support provided by the family of the late Mr. Kyengo. The National Police Service (NPS) has maintained regular communication with the family of the late Mr. Kyengo and has kept them informed at every stage of investigations. This has been done to ensure transparency, build confidence in the investigative process and assure the family that every effort is being made to establish the truth surrounding the death of their kin.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Ministry remains committed to ensuring thorough, impartial and professional investigations into all cases of unexplained deaths and will ensure that appropriate action is taken once investigations are concluded.

I thank you.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, bearing in mind that Mr. Kyengo passed on while working at the famous Talanta Sports Stadium, it is not right that it has taken a year for the Ministry to do something to make sure that there is compensation for that particular person. Given the circumstances surrounding his work for the Government of Kenya as a casual worker, there should be some humane treatment for his family, so that his children and wife have a way forward while we await further investigations.

I thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

The Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration (Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen): Asante Bw. Spika wa Muda. Ningependa kujibu Kiongozi wa Walio Wachache Bungeni. Kwa mambo yanayohusu Mtwapa, ningependa kupewa swali rasmi ili nilete jibu ambalo litastahimili maswali ya ziada.

Pili, ni kweli kumekuwa na shida kidogo katika nchi nzima kwa sababu ya uchache wa afisa wa polisi ambao wanatumwa kufanya kazi katika sehemu tofauti. Lakini, tulifanya usajili mpya mwaka jana na wengi wao wamefuzu juzi. Kwa hivyo, sasa tuna uwezo na tutawatuma ili wape nguvu vituo tofauti vya polisi, kikiwemo cha Mtwapa.

Tatu, tuko katika harakati za kununua magari mapya. Magari yakiwa ya kutosha yatasaidia; hatutahitaji tena kuongeza vituo vya polisi kwa sababu magari hayo yatawasaidia kufika sehemu tofauti tofauti nchini.

Kwa sasa, hayo ndio majibu yangu kwa wakati huu. Nitakapopata swali rasmi, wale walioko kwenye idara ya polisi watatupa majibu yatakayostahimili maswali ya ziada ya Seneti.

Asante.

DEPLOYMENT OF KDF PERSONNEL IN KIUNGA WARD

1. (a) Could the Cabinet Secretary clarify the basis of deploying Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) personnel in Kiunga Ward Lamu East and outline their scope mandate and duration?
2. (b) Could the Cabinet Secretary clarify the measures in place to prevent human rights violations and enforce disappearance in Kiunga Ward? Outline the accountability mechanism for monitoring the conduct of security personnel and indicate whether independent investigations will be initiated into the reported cases of bombings, abductions, harassment and intimidation by masked officers.
3. (c) Could the Cabinet Secretary outline the measures being taken to restore normalcy and rebuild community trust in Kiunga Ward and detail the immediate and long-term interventions to protect livelihoods, stabilise the area and prevent further displacements?

Thank you.

Part (a) is the basis for deploying the KDF in Kiunga Ward. Kiunga Ward is located in Lamu East sub-county has in recent years faced significant security challenges. The region is proximate to the international border with Somalia, an area historically vulnerable to cross-border threats including insurgent activities by extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab and other criminal networks that have exploited porous borders and remote terrains.

These threats have at times manifested in sporadic attacks targeting security forces and civilians alike contributing to instability in the wider Lamu-Garissa-Mandera border region. In response to these threats, the Government has maintained a sustained joint security presence in Lamu County through coordinated multi-agency operations aimed at protecting lives, property and economic activity including in Kiunga Ward.

Part (b) is measures put in place to prevent human rights violations and enforced disappearance in Kiunga Ward and the accountability mechanisms for monitoring the conduct of security personnel. The Ministry has instituted the following measures aimed at preventing human rights violations including enforced disappearance and strengthening accountability within the security operations in Kiunga Ward:

1. (1) Compliance with the law and human rights standards- security officers are regularly sensitised through structured training, workshops and operational briefings on their obligations to uphold the Constitution, respect due process and adhere to established operation procedures. These programmes also cover ethical conduct, professional communication and conflict resolution to ensure that security operations are conducted in a manner that safeguards the rights, dignity, safety of all civilians.
2. (2) Investigations on complaints and allegations - all complaints related to the alleged human rights violations including reports of enforced disappearance, abductions, harassment and intimidation incidents are subject to thorough investigations by the Internal Affairs Unit of the National Police Service.

In addition to the internal mechanisms, the conduct of security personnel is subject to external oversight by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) which is mandated by law to undertake independent and impartial investigations into complaints against police officers.

Where credible allegations of misconduct arise, IPOA initiates investigations and recommends disciplinary or criminal proceedings against the officers found culpable. The Ministry remains committed to ensure implementation of the recommendations arising from such investigations and taking appropriate action where wrongdoing is established.

On community engagement; the Ministry through the National Police Service and National Government Administration officers continue to promote public engagements through community policing and Nyumba Kumi initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation and trust between security agencies and residents. Our officers are under instructions to engage local communities through open dialogue, public barazas and regular consultative meetings to provide platforms for residents to raise concerns, express grievances and seek clarification of security operations.

Members of the public are also encouraged to report security or human rights concerns through established and confidential reporting channels including the

Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) toll-free number 0800722203. I must emphasise this point that; without the support of local community, we would not have succeeded in combating the threats of Al-Shabaab.

For a good number of years now, we have a very robust programme that engages local communities. By just working with local communities, we can win this fight. This process should be continuous; I encourage the Hon. Member to also engage security officers through your good officers as a Member of the Senate to see how best you can provide a forum for the security officers to work with you and clear issues. All of them do not have to come to the Senate, some can be cleared on the ground when you have public barazas with the community and the security officers.

During the Jukwaa la Usalama engagement in Lamu, this issue also came up. We encouraged the county and sub county security teams to continue holding consultative meetings not just in Lamu, but also in Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, Marsabit and other border counties where these challenges have been raised in the past.

Number C is measures being taken to restore normalcy and rebuilding community trust in Kiunga Ward and long-term interventions to protect livelihoods and prevent displacements. The Government has implemented the following measures aimed at stabilising the security situation in Kiunga Ward, restoring normalcy and rebuilding trust between security agencies and local communities:

1. 1. Stabilisation of security in the area. Targeted security patrols and operations continue to be conducted to deter criminal activities, enhance public safety and create an enabling environment for residents to resume their daily activities without fear.
2. 2. Strengthen communication and early warning mechanisms: Communication channels between the community and security agencies have been enhanced to ensure timely reporting of security threats and prompt response by law enforcement agencies. Local police commanders maintain regular contact with community leaders and stakeholders to improve situational awareness and facilitate rapid intervention when required.
3. 3. Enhanced community engagement and policing: Security agencies have prioritised sustained engagements with local leaders, elders, youth representatives and other community stakeholders through consultative meetings and public barazas. These engagements are aimed at addressing community concerns, enhancing transparency and rebuilding confidence in security institutions. Community policing and Nyumba Kumi structures have also been strengthened to promote information sharing and collaborative approaches to addressing local security challenges.
4. 4. Protection of vulnerable populations and livelihoods: Security operations in the area are conducted with due regard to civilian safety and protection of property with the objective of preventing unnecessary displacements and enabling residents to safely continue their livelihoods, including fishing, farming and small-scale trade. The Ministry is working in collaboration with relevant national agencies, the county government, as well as local leaders to ensure that essential services and economic activities are sustained.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the Ministry remains firmly committed to upholding human rights, ensuring accountability within the security agencies and safeguarding

safety, dignity and livelihoods of all residents in Kiunga Ward and across the country. I am also aware that through security committees, including the National Security Council (NSC)---

When we held public barazas, including Jukwaa la Usalama, there were recommendations for certain development programmes to be undertaken in Lamu. That will ensure that people feel part and parcel of Kenya and contribute to safety and security of their brothers and sisters who are hinterland, considering that that is a border county.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I know there is a plan to construct a road in Kiunga. I hope that that will be actualized by the Ministry of Roads and Transport. It is a request that was made through the Ministry in charge of security sector but to be implemented through the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

I thank you.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CHAIR

VISITING DELEGATION FROM MBITINI MIXED SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KITUI COUNTY

VISITING DELEGATION FROM NDURURUMO HIGH SCHOOL IN LAIKIPIA COUNTY

Hon. Senators, I would also like to acknowledge the presence of a visiting delegation of three teachers and 40 students from Ndururumo High School in Laikipia County who are seated in the public gallery. The delegation is visiting the Senate for an academic exposition.

On behalf of the Senate and on my own behalf, I extend a warm welcome to the delegation and wish them a fruitful visit.

Hon. Senators, because of time, I will not give any Senator an opportunity to welcome them.

(Resumption of Questions) Sen. Shakila, do you have a supplementary question?

MANAGEMENT OF POLICE POSTS IN MARSABIT AND TURKANA COUNTIES

there are mechanisms in place to ensure proper and timely maintenance of those facilities. d) How much money has the Government set aside in the 2025/2026 financial year for infrastructural rehabilitation in police stations and security posts in Marsabit and Turkana counties and specifically, Illeret Police Post in Marsabit County? Thank you very much, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir. The Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration (Hon. Murkomen): It is now okay. I thought it was an opportunity for me to go to the Dispatch Box.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I will go straight to the responses. I will give the reasons for the closure of the administration police camp in Kurkum and plans for its re-establishment. Hon. Temporary Speaker, Sir, the closure of the AP camp at Kurkum in Marsabit County was undertaken pursuant to the Government policy decision made in 2018 aimed at restructuring and streamlining the operation of National Police Service. The reform sought to enhance efficiency, strengthen command and control structures and optimise deployment of personnel across the country.

As part of this restructuring, AP camps that had been established at the ward level were consolidated and officers redeployed to sub-county headquarters to improve operational effectiveness. The reestablishment of the Kurkum AP camp may be reconsidered upon successful recruitment and training of additional police officers which has now been done who will thereafter be deployed proportionately across the country based on the prevailing security needs. Under this administration, we brought back the National Government Administration Police Unit, (NGAPU) hence there is a possibility of restructuring that to ensure that we have a presence of NGAPU officers’ closer home.

Part two of the Question sought for the criteria used to allocate infrastructure development funding and whether border and conflict-prone areas are accorded priority. In September 2018, the Government adopted a policy framework for the reorganization of the National Police Service and provision of decent affordable housing for police officers. This policy introduced a shift from institutional housing to the payment of housing allowances to officers across the ranks, enabling them to secure accommodation within the communities they serve.

Following this policy shift of the National Police Service, the National Police Service ceased to receive a budgetary allocation for the construction, renovation or maintenance of police housing infrastructure. These responsibilities were transferred to the State Department for Housing and Urban Development, which is now mandated to plan and implement development projects related to police stations, security posts and associated facilities. Prioritization of the infrastructure projects, including those located in border and conflict-prone areas, is, therefore, undertaken within the planning and budgetary framework of the State Department of Housing.

We are currently working with the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development to construct 17,000 houses for the National Police Service and another 28,000 for the prisons officers. That collaboration is ongoing between us and the

Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing, and Urban Development. Prioritization and identification of the areas for these projects is ongoing.

Part three of the Question sought for the conditions of Housing, office infrastructure and basic operational resources in police stations and security posts in Marsabit and Turkana counties. Hon. Speaker, Sir, the Ministry acknowledges that the current state of infrastructure in several police stations and security posts in Marsabit and Turkana counties fall below the desired standards necessary for effective service delivery and optimal working conditions for police officers. In view of this, the Ministry is engaging relevant stakeholders and will be seeking additional budgetary allocations to support their rehabilitation, upgrading and construction of police infrastructure in these and other underserved regions.

Notwithstanding these challenges, the Government has made progress in improving infrastructure in the region. A modern office block at Laisamis Police Station has been completed and is currently in use. Additionally, construction of a residential block comprising of 12 type E housing units is ongoing in the same station in Laisamis.

Part four of the Question is on the funds allocated to the 2025/2026 financial year for infrastructure rehabilitation, including Illeret Police Post. Hon. Speaker, Sir, as I stated earlier, the National Police Service does not receive a direct budgetary allocation from the National Treasury for infrastructure development or rehabilitation of police stations and security posts. As such, no funds have been allocated in 2025/2026 and financial year for rehabilitation for development work, including Illeret Police Post. I recognize, Mr. Speaker, Sir, that these Questions came in the last financial year. I also dare say that there is no budgetary allocation even in the 2026/2027 financial year.

The Ministry remains committed to strengthening security infrastructure and improving service delivery across all regions of the country, particularly in historically marginalized and security-sensitive areas such as Marsabit and Turkana counties. However, the Ministry continues to face resource constraints that limit the pace at which critical infrastructure and upgrades can be undertaken.

In this regard, I wish to encourage the Hon. Member and other Members representing similar affected areas to consider prioritizing improvement of police stations, security posts and related facilities where permissible under the law. This does not apply to Sen. Chute. It applies to the Members of the National Assembly, who patronage the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), which has been used in many areas of the country to build good police stations.

As you are aware, Mr. Speaker, Sir, part of the justification for retaining the NGCDF was to support both education and security infrastructure. I want to encourage Hon. Members of the National Assembly to consider improving the police stations. We continue working with them and we also do so during our Jukwaa la Usalama.

I am particularly sympathetic to the case of Illeret and in as much as we do not have a budget, we will find ways, even if it means doing it through friends, development partners and so forth, to support the Illeret because it is a marginalized community and it is situated in a fairly remote area and is underserved. I want to encourage Sen. Chute to pick this conversation between me and him in another forum, as shall be agreed between the two of us.

Thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

I thank you.

GENDER RATIO ACROSS PUBLIC SERVICE SECTORS AND SCOPE OF GBV GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES

1. (a) Could the Cabinet Secretary disclose the male to female ratio among individuals serving in each county as village elders, assistant chiefs, chiefs, deputy county commissioners, commissioners and regional commissioners?
2. (b) What is the male to female ratio among police officers serving in the various ranks within the National Police Service in each county?
3. (c) What policies and internal operational frameworks has the Ministry established to integrate gender considerations into its operations, specifically with regard to-
4. (i) ensuring compliance with the two-thirds gender principle in appointive positions across all ranks of the National Police Service; and, (ii) protecting government officers from all forms of gender-based violence, while fostering service delivery culture that upholds gender equity?
5. (d) Could the Cabinet Secretary also provide details on the scope and effectiveness of all Government programmes and initiatives to address Gender- Based Violence (GBV) and femicide generally, and explain the mechanisms in place for the successful implementation of the programmes and initiatives?

elders but I will give you the answer. For village elders we have 78,740 men and 25,530 women. That makes it 104,270. Just to say here at this point that we are very proud that finally under this administration the village elders have been recognised formally. I am very excited about that because it was something we used to debate when I sat here some years back.

It is instructive to note that although the current male to female ratio does not meet the two-thirds gender principle as provided by the Constitution, the State Department has subsequently put in place measures to progressively address that imbalance. In particular, the Department has incorporated targeted recruitment aimed at increasing female representation in accordance with the Affirmative Action Implementation Programme. The upcoming recruitment exercise will continue prioritising gender balancing while maintaining merit and compliance with relevant public servant regulations for the public service. These deliberate efforts are expected to gradually align the Department's staffing composition with the Constitutional requirement that not more than two-thirds of members should be of the same gender.

The only thing that becomes debatable is which unit to use. Do you do that as per the whole country, you come and sit here and say there are 8,000 chiefs who are male, we reduce them or should we do that per sub-county, so that then we balance. Once you achieve the balance at the local level, the balance is achieved nationally.

Traditionally where we have come from, chiefs and assistance chiefs have in most cases been men, but as we progress women are now coming out. When those opportunities are seen during interview then affirmative action is done to make sure that that balance is achieved and that applies to the other cadre of public officers.

On the male to female ratio among police officers serving in various ranks within National Police Service (NPS) in each county, I wish to table data showing the distribution of male to female ratio among police officers serving various ranks across the counties. It was shared with you as an attachment.

Yes, the data was submitted and the men in the police service are 91,814 while females are 16,768. That was before completion of this recruitment. There was more; about 23 or 24 percent of police officers were women but that needs to be confirmed. So, the number that now alters the ratio after this pass out parade. At that point in time, we had 108,000 police officers.

On the question of compliance with the two-thirds gender principle, let me let me skim through that and say that it is progressively being achieved through subsequent recruitments and so forth. I do not know if you watched and followed the Jukwaa la Usalama conversations. There are areas that female officers are not deployed because of the challenges they face. There are certain formations where we do not put female police officers for obvious reasons. So that usually will continue altering the numbers based on the requirements that we need in dangerous areas and remote places, difficult places to operate where men because of their physical capabilities, can only be deployed. This will be for good order and for the welfare of the female gender.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, on protecting Government officers from all sorts of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), the Service has put in place the following measures to ensure that GBV cases in the workplace is eradicated-

1. (1) Enforce key legislation that promotes gender equality and combats GBV, including the Domestic Violence Act, Sexual Offences Act and Prohibition of the Female Genital Mutilation Act.
2. (2) Integration of gender-based violence prevention response measures in the Standing Orders Procedures of the National Police Service.
3. (3) Development of Poli-care policy of 2021 that established poli-care centres within select police stations to offer integrated survivor centre support services and formulate the gender mainstreaming workplace policy aimed to promote gender equity and inclusivity.
4. (4) Establishment of 384 gender desks in police stations across the country. That will be increased as we progress.
5. (5) Implementation of the recruitment strategy progressively to bring in more women to service.
6. (6) Establishment of operational social support and counselling centres as well as strengthening collaboration with Government agencies and civil society organizations to enhance national response to GBV.
7. (7) Establishment of specialised units, including the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Child Protection Unit, Homicide Unit and SWAT to strengthen the capacity and response to GBV.
8. (8) Revitalising the community policy initiatives including Nyumba Kumi.
9. (9) Establishing crime reporting mechanisms, including the DCI line which I read earlier on and the Childline - 0722116166.

On the details on the scope of the effectiveness of Government programmes to address GBV, the enactment of GBV specific roles and policies has significantly strengthened investigative capacity of the NPS leading to more effective prosecution and successful arraignment of offenders in court. The establishment of specialised units, including a forensic laboratory and Human Trafficking and Child Protection Unit, Transnational Organised Crime Unit and the Homicide Investigations Bureau has improved the investigations capacity in complex GBV cases.

Ongoing policy reviews have facilitated timely legal and institutional response to GBV cases. The wholistic integration of medical, legal and psychological support services has improved the quality of care provided to survivors and contributed to their quick recovery. The roll-out of 384 gender desks nation-wide has expanded the reach and efficiency of GBV responses at the station level and providing the safe numbers to report to DCI has also given opportunity to victims to report anonymously.

I thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

It is reported that in 2025, we had 233 and beyond teen pregnancies. You are a lawyer and you know, these are defilements. Your office is the first response. The assistant chiefs and the police would be the ones to move these cases above. Many of them negotiate those children to marriage which is another offence. What policy do you have that specifically guides your officers, the chiefs and the police as the first responders in GBV matters?

1. 2015. It is from this legislation that we derive our mandate to support the National Police Service (NPS) in ensuring effective enforcement. Administrators play a critical role through the security committee. At the county level, the County Commissioner is a member of the County Security Committee. At the local level, chiefs work closely with Officers Commanding Stations (OCSs) and other security personnel. The Ministry has ensured that administrators are trained and equipped to understand their responsibilities under the law, including reporting procedures. A major concern, particularly in cases of defilement, is the practice of resolving such matters through kangaroo barazas. In some parts of northern Kenya, this practice is known as Maslaha. Where I come from they are called Kipkaa. These mechanisms are sometimes used to resolve cases of gender-based violence, including rape and defilement. Defilement can affect both girls and boys. There are instances where an adult woman abuses a minor boy and that still constitutes defilement under the law. Our position is clear, that we have trained chiefs and assistant chiefs and will continue training village elders to ensure they understand this. While barazas may be used to resolve minor disputes, they are not appropriate for criminal offences such as rape, defilement or domestic violence. However, I appreciate the concerns you are

raising. It may be necessary to develop a policy to guide administrators within the Ministry on GBV matters and that is an area we can explore.

The second question was raised by Hon. Wamatinga regarding transfers. The issue came out strongly during the Jukwaa la Usalama engagements. The National Police Service (NPS) subsequently took up the matter. We agreed that upon the deployment of newly recruited police officers, the policy already pronounced that there must be a clear timeline for service in frontier areas. There is already a consensus that an officer should serve in such areas for a maximum of three to five years.

There is also a strong view among Kenyans that police officers should not remain in the same station for more than three to five years. This would help prevent overfamiliarity with local environments and reduce the risk of officers becoming part of the challenges they are expected to address. The Inspector-General of the National Police Service is finalising the matter. Now that the recruitment process is complete and the final pass-out parade will take place on Friday, I expect the Inspector-General in the next one or two months from now to implement that promise that we gave to the people of Kenya. This will also ensure that we give relief to our police officers who have served in hardship areas for five, 10 or 15 years. It is only fair that everybody is treated fairly. However, this will not apply to certain specialised formations. If you are specialised to serve in certain formations that can only serve in certain areas, a different approach will be applied. Officers are allowed to be in the field and are given a month or two off to be with their families then come back. This is because of their level of specialisation and training, they specifically provide security for certain areas.

SHOCK-RESPONSIVE SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAMMES FOR VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS

1. (a) State what systems the Ministry has put in place to swiftly identify and support vulnerable households during floods, droughts, food shocks and other emergencies?
2. (b) What measures ensure Kenya’s social protection system is shock- responsive, specifically interoperable databases, trigger mechanisms, emergency scale-up protocols and payment continuity during crises?
3. (c) Has the Ministry assessed the speed, accuracy and adequacy of social protection targeting in recent emergencies and what key findings and lessons have been drawn?

1. (d) What reforms, informed by comparative lessons from other countries, is the Ministry pursuing to guarantee rapid and fair support to affected households?

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, can I go to Question 052?

IMPLEMENTATION STATUS OF THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2025-2030

1. (a) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide a status update on the implementation of the National Disaster Risk Management Strategy 2025-2030?
2. (b) Could Waziri state whether the Government has in place approved drainage master plans, flood-risk maps and emergency preparedness plans and, if so, provide details on the institutions and stakeholders involved in their development, as well as dates when such plans were prepared and last reviewed?
3. (c) What systems and coordination mechanisms exist to ensure the timely translation of adverse weather and flood-risk warnings into actionable measures, including pre-emptive evacuation of at-risk households and closure of flood-prone roads, among other mitigating interventions?
4. (d) Could the Cabinet Secretary also indicate whether a framework exists to facilitate the relocation of persons from designated flood-risk areas and, if so, clarify whether the framework provides for financial support to the affected population and, where applicable, to the host communities receiving them?

I thank you.

Human Capital Development is the one that will ensure that humanitarian assistance is extended.

Additionally, the Ministry receives donations of food and non-food items from well-wishers. That is the State Department for Special Programmes for purposes of support. Sometimes the Ministry of Interior and National Administration also receives food donations for us to distribute. The team is coordinated through the National Disaster Operations Centre (NDOC) under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.

Two, on operationalisation of the Flood Command Centre, the Ministry also established the Flood Command Centre at the Ministry Headquarters. The centre is responsible for collecting and coordinating data received from national Government administrators across the country. Daily situation reports on persons and households affected by floods are transmitted to the centre through SMS and other communication channels to facilitate timely response and resource allocation.

Part (b) was about measures to ensure a shock-responsive social protection system, specifically an interoperable database, trigger mechanisms, emergency scale-ups, protocols and payment continuity during crisis. This matter falls under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. Therefore, we request that it be referred accordingly.

On the question of speed, accuracy and adequacy of social protection targeting recent emergencies, again, that is better served and answered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection.

Finally is what reforms by comparative lessons from other countries is the Ministry pursuing to guarantee rapid and fair support to affected households. The newly enacted National Disaster Risk Management Act, 2026, will significantly strengthen disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the country. The law establishes the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA) that will provide a more robust institutional framework for supporting affected citizens. It further establishes regional and county offices to decentralise disaster response services and bring them closer to the people. In fact, it is intergovernmental in nature. The law recognises the role of county government across the country in this regard.

Additionally, the Act addresses staffing challenges that have affected emergency response operations by establishing a Disaster Risk Fund to ensure adequate resources are available to support citizens affected by floods and other disasters.

On the second question which was more elaborate, part one is on the status of implementation of the National Disaster Risk Management Strategy 2025-2030. That is very elaborate. I would like to say that this was launched officially last year in June, together with other line Ministries. The strategies are aligned with national and international frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the Kenya Vision 2030, the Constitution of Kenya, the Disaster Risk Management Policy of 2017 and the National Climate Change Action Plan. All these provide strategies on ways and involvement of various actors in so far as this is concerned. The strategy also includes coordination that brings together national security council structures, line Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that work on areas of disaster under the NDOC.

There is notable progress that includes disaster risk management priorities in the medium term matching them with the County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs) to monitor issues of disasters across the country.

Regarding part (b) about drainage master plans, the Government has put in place several frameworks to address flood risks and enhance preparedness, although implementation levels vary across counties and regions.

With regard to drainage master plans, Nairobi City has developed a flood resilience master plan valued at approximately Kshs47.2 billion, targeting improvements in drainage system, flood control infrastructure, climate resilience and urban development over the period of 2026 to 2028. Other urban areas have integrated drainage planning into broader urban master plans, while the National Water Master Plan, 2030 identifies key flood-prone basins across the country.

On flood risk mapping, the Government has developed county multi-hazard risk profiles, also known as hazard atlases, which inform planning and responses at the county level. In addition, basin-specific flood risk maps have been developed for areas such as Tana River and Lake Victoria basins at the community level. Geographic Information System (GIS)-based mapping initiatives have also been introduced to facilitate modern flood risk assessment which allows the Government and stakeholders to collect, analyse and interpret spatial data related to floods in highly detailed and dynamic ways.

In terms of emergency preparedness for the national response plan 2020, the National Emergency Response Plan, 2020 provides the overarching framework for coordinated response. County governments have also developed county emergency operations plans tailored to local risk profiles. These plans are coordinated by the National Disaster Operations Centre in collaboration with the key stakeholders, including the Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD), the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA), the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS), sector ministries and county governments. The plans are continuously reviewed and updated to reflect emerging risk and lessons learned from past disasters.

Part (c) is systems and coordination mechanisms for early warning and early action. Again, we have the ministries, departments and the KMD to give us early warning and information. We also create public awareness. In the Ministry we are using the National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO) to carry out public awareness and disseminate timely alerts to communities, engage communities to identify vulnerabilities and plan evacuations, educate the public on evacuation procedures and safety measures, activate preparedness and response plans at national and county levels and mobilise resources, including personnel, logistics and emergency supplies.

Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, regarding the impending El Nino phenomenon, it is important that this is adhered to. I request the people of Kenya to listen to the NGAO when they ask them to move from even their own personal homes. It is better to become a squatter for a short time; an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) or go live with relatives for the time being than lose lives. I am a witness of what happened along the Kerio Valley Escapement. We have instructed all the NGAO, including our chiefs and assistant chiefs, to ensure that citizens are evacuated in dangerous areas, so that when the rains come, we protect citizens.

Using Government departments, we will of course provide certain essential needs such as tents and food supplies. However, we need to ask our people to become alive to the advice given. If you are living in the Tana River areas and you have been warned, let us take it seriously. That is the same to Lake Victoria areas and many parts of the country that warnings will be delivered directly to your doorstep, to your chief and your assistant chief and now, your village elder. Please take it seriously.

The roads agencies especially the Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) are now undertaking preventive measures. They play a key role when there is an impending disaster based on the early warnings by preparing proper drainage across the country.

On framework for relocation and financial support; I have summarised that a lot of this is budgeted for in different departments and through the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital and Special Programmes. Food stuff and other personal needs that may be needed are given to those affected to ensure that they are protected in cases of disaster. I think we have provided a detailed answer and so, in the interest of time, I will stop.

INCARCERATION, REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF YOUTHS SINCE 2022

1. (a) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide statistics on the youths who have been incarcerated from 2022 to date, disaggregated by their counties of birth, age and gender?
2. (b) How many of the incarcerated youths were imprisoned due to involvement in criminal gang activities, violent extremism, political goonism and

related offences, and could the Cabinet Secretary indicate the minimum, average and maximum jail terms imposed by courts for the offences?

1. (c) Could the Cabinet Secretary outline the rehabilitation programmes currently being offered to incarcerated youths, and provide details on the specific skills being taught, the type of certification awarded upon completion and the number of youths who have successfully completed the programmes and been reintegrated into society from 2022 to date?
2. (d) What interventions is the Government implementing to curb involvement of youths in crime?

I will now ask my own Question. Question No.068

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PREVALENCE IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY

1. (a) Could the Cabinet Secretary provide statistics on the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in Kirinyaga County and outline actions taken to combat the menace, which has been identified as a major contributor to mental health issues and suicide cases in the county?
2. (b) Which facilities has the Government established in the county to provide psychological and rehabilitation services to individuals dependent on alcohol and drugs?
3. (c) Are there plans to establish additional support facilities within the county and, if so, could the Cabinet Secretary provide details on the same?
4. (d) Could the Cabinet Secretary also state the steps taken by the Ministry to secure additional funding for alcohol and drug abuse interventions, and disclose any joint initiatives with development partners and the private sector?

I thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

INCARCERATION, REHABILITATION AND REINTEGRATION OF YOUTHS SINCE 2022

The total number of youth incarcerated since 2022, disaggregated by their counties of birth, age and gender, has been provided in our written response. Since the Member has the answers, I will present a brief summary as follows-

A total of 121,000 youth have been incarcerated in correctional facilities across the country between 2022 and 2026 as follows-

In 2022 there were 20,000; 2023 they were 27,000; 2024 they were 31,000; 2025 there were 21,000 and January to April, 2026 when the question was presented the number was 7,000. The details of county segregation are provided and the hon. Member has the list.

Regarding how many of the incarcerated youth were imprisoned due to involvement in criminal gang activities, violent extremism, political goonism and related offences, the total stands at 11,000 individuals: Criminal gang activities are 9,959 individuals, with males forming the vast majority at 9,816, and 143 females. On violent extremism, there are 676 individuals, comprising 653 men and 23 women. Concerning political goonism, the number is 1,189 individuals, comprising 1,053 men and 136 females. This data serves as clear evidence for those who claim that the police are doing nothing to arrest goons.

As you can see, 1,189 individuals have not just been arrested but prosecuted and incarcerated. Sentences imposed by courts for the above offences vary depending on the gravity of the offences committed. The prison terms range from as short as two days to indefinite sentences, including life imprisonment and death penalty, where applicable under the law. The average definite custodial sentence imposed upon youth offenders was approximately four and a half years.

Part (c) of the Question was on rehabilitation programmes. A total of 4,610 youths have successfully completed rehabilitation programmes while serving custodial sentence since the year 2022. The Kenya Prison Service (KPS) currently offers a broad range of rehabilitation integrated programmes aimed at equipping youth offenders with practical skills, behavioral transformation and employability competences.

These programmes include counseling and psychosocial support, formal education at primary, secondary and adult education level, vocational and technical training, creative arts and tailoring, sports and recreational activities, mental health support service and specialised treatment programme, including sex offenders treatment programmes. Vocational and technical skills training offered include welding and fabrications, carpentry and joinery, electrical installation, masonry and plumbing, motor vehicle mechanics, coding and robotics, gaming and animation and fashion and textile design.

Upon successful completion of the training programmes inmates are awarded national recognition certificates to support reintegration and employment opportunities upon release. These include Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) certificates, national industrial training certificates, technical and vocational education training certificate, digital literacy and technology certificates and certificates of completion for behavioral and life skill programmes.

On interventions that the Government is implementing to curb involvement of youth in crime, Hon. Speaker, the Government has employed the following interventions to curb the involvement of youth in crime.

One, implementation of the county action plans on preventing counter violent extremism in hotspot counties.

Two, expand youth empowerment initiatives to reduce unemployment. These include youth enterprise and use of the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), Ajira digital programmes, affordable housing programmes, employment opportunities, Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project (KYEOP), Climate Works Programme (CWP) and the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Programme (NYOTA).

These are some of the programmes that the Government has set up. We also have housing programme. I know that Sen. Methu was a great defender of youth employment though I have not heard him talk about it of late but I believe he is still an advocate of youth employment through the housing programme.

Number three is increased access to vocational training institutions and technical skills development programmes to equip youth with employment and employable skills in areas such as ICT and digital skills, automotive engineering, construction trades and agribusiness.

Number four is intensified operations against criminal gangs, drug trafficking networks and organised criminal groups involved in recruiting and exploiting young people. Hon. Chair, the Government recognises that youth involvement in crime is driven by a combination of economic, social, behavioral and security related factors. Consequently, the interventions being implemented focus not only on enforcement but also prevention, rehabilitation, skill development, environmental engagement and socioeconomic empowerment to provide sustainable alternatives for young people. That is insofar as Sen. Methu’s Question is concerned.

Question No.068

ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSE PREVALENCE IN KIRINYAGA COUNTY

I will move to the answer for the Question by Sen. (Dr.) Murango which seeks for statistics on the prevalence of alcohol and drug abuse in Kirinyaga County and actions taken to combat the menace.

Hon. Temporary Speaker, Sir, according to survey conducted by National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA) in 2022, 17.5 per cent of Kenyans aged 15 to 65 years were currently using at least one drug or a substance abuse, 11.8 per cent, which is 3.2 million, were currently using alcohol, 8.5 per cent which is 2.3 million, were currently using tobacco, 3.6 per cent, which is 964,737, were using Khat, 518,807 were using cannabis and 0.2 per cent, which is 60,000 were using prescription drugs.

The NACADA is planning to undertake county-specific surveys to provide county-based data on drugs and substance abuse for all 47 counties. However, enforcement data indicates that there is a problem of drugs and substance abuse in Kirinyaga County. In 2025, statistics show that 112 kgs of cannabis and 9,410 litres of illicit alcohol were seized in Kirinyaga County.

The Government has undertaken the following measures to combat alcohol and drug abuse menace in Kirinyaga County-

1. (1) Establishment of Kirinyaga County NACADA Programme's Coordination Office brings service closer to the people. The office works in close collaboration with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) and other security agencies.
2. (2) Strengthening Kirinyaga County’s Multi-Agency Committee on Control of Alcohol and Drugs, chaired by the County Commissioner. The Committee brings together two levels of government to ensure that there is proper coordination.
3. (3) Multi-agency enforcement crackdown on counterfeit and illicit alcohol on drugs in the county.
4. (4) Targeted public education and advocacy campaigns towards demand reduction in learning institutions and the community and grassroots institutions through roadshow caravans and barazas.
5. (5) Rollout of positive parenting programmes to equip parents with knowledge and skills to deal with these issues.
6. (6) Leverage on sports, talent development and entrepreneurship to provide constructive alternative to drugs.
7. (7) Partnering with youth organisations such as boda boda riders to deal with this menace.
8. (8) Partnering with religious leaders and clergy across the denominations to leverage on their influence in shaping values and guiding young people.

In reference to facilities that the Government has established in the county to provide psychological and rehabilitation services, there are three private own treatment and rehabilitation centres licenced by NACADA in Kirinyaga County. They are-

1. (1) Azriel Counselling Rehabilitation Centre in Mwea, Kimbimbi.
2. (2) Mwea Serenity Counselling and Treatment Centre in Kagio, and;
3. (3) Prompt Rehabilitation Centre. Azriel Centre is accredited by NACADA where the two have been advised on areas of improvement, so that they can achieve their accreditation.

There are plans to establish additional support facilities in the county. Indeed, all the governors have been requested to provide land to build public rehabilitation centres. Therefore, once Kirinyaga County confirms availability of land, the Government will establish a public treatment and rehabilitation centre. That was then. By now, the information I have is that they have provided the land. So, the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development under the Affordable Housing Programme are going to help in building a rehabilitation centre in Kirinyaga in the provided land by the county government.

In regards to steps taken to secure additional funding for alcohol and drug abuse interventions and joint initiatives with development partners on the private sector, the Ministry is implementing a multi-pronged strategy to secure funding for alcohol and drug abuse interventions.

1. (1) The Ministry is working closely with the National Treasury to secure increased budget for the NACADA and related agencies.

1. (2) The Ministry has proactively sought an expanding collaboration with international partners to supplement the Government resources.
2. (3) The Ministry is promoting public-private partnerships through strengthening partners and stakeholders programme on resource mobilisation.

I thank you, Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir.

ADJOURNMENT